There are a few reasons people want to know how long meth stays in the body. For those who undergo drug testing, knowing when and for how long meth is detectable is important. But also, for anyone who wishes to stop using meth and begin recovery in a meth rehab center, the process of withdrawal—when the drug leaves the body once and for all—is the first step on the journey. The duration of meth in the system depends on a few factors.
To learn more about how the body processes meth and how long meth stays in the body, reach out to The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169. Our experienced, caring staff can answer your questions about the effects of meth on the body, what meth rehab is like, and how you can begin recovery in one of our treatment centers in Texas.
How the Body Processes Meth
Methamphetamine (meth) is a potent stimulant drug that’s easy for people to synthesize in kitchen labs and sell on the black market. Because of that, the potency of any given batch of meth is hard to gauge, and the drug can be cut with other substances. Without labels, there’s no way to know what those substances are or how much is present.
Meth is processed by the liver and excreted through the kidneys. During the time between taking the drug and leaving the body, the brain is responding to the psychoactivity of the stimulant, and the person using it is officially under the influence. Most binge for an extended period before succumbing to the crash. The length of the binge and other factors affect how long the drug stays in the body.
How Long Meth Stays in the Body
The detection duration of meth in the system varies, but generally, tests can detect meth for between 48 hours and three months. Tests detect meth in:
- Blood tests for up to 48 hours
- Saliva tests for up to 48 hours
- Urine tests for up to 72 hours
- Hair follicle tests for up to 90 days
In early recovery, estimate when your system is cleared of the drug using a 72-hour guideline.
4 Factors that Affect How Long Meth Stays in the Body
Each person has a timeline specific to them. Four factors influencing duration in the system include:
- Quality – The purer the meth, the faster it’s metabolized and eliminated. When cut with other substances, its purity degrades, making the body work harder to process it.
- Quantity – The amount and frequency of meth use determine the drug’s volume in the body at withdrawal onset. Long-term or frequent high dosages can lead to a buildup, prolonging withdrawal. Meth’s half-life of 10 to 12 hours indicates the time needed to eliminate half of the drug.
- Method of use – Meth is absorbed quickest when smoked or injected, as it enters the bloodstream immediately and is processed out faster. Snorting is slower than smoking or injecting but quicker than taking it in pill form. Slower uptake means slower elimination.
- The person’s body – Not all people who use meth are the same. Metabolism, size, gender, and health status affect processing speed. More prolonged abuse can degrade health, slowing drug metabolism.
The effects of meth on the body are profound. This drug is highly toxic and addictive and can lead to long-term health problems. If you use meth regularly or if you suspect someone you love is addicted to this drug, seek professional addiction treatment.
Call The Right Step Houston Today to Get Started on Meth Addiction Treatment
Call The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 or complete our online form today to find out how you can begin recovery from meth addiction. We’ll help you safely detox from meth, access evidence-based treatment, and begin recovery in a safe setting.